Original subtitles

Production: The Go Masters Production Committee Beijing Film Studio, Tokyo Tokuma Co. Ltd.

Production Assistance: Daiei Eiga Co. Ltd., China Film Co-Production Corporation

THE GO MASTERS

Executive Producers: Yasuyoshi Tokuma Wang Yang

Producers: Masahiro Sato Wang Zhimin

Screenplay: Li Hongzhou, Ge Tangtong Fumio Konami, Yasuko Ohno Tetsuro Abe

Starring:

Rentaro Mikuni

Sun Daolin

Misako Konno Shen Guanchu

Tsukasa Ito Shen Danping

Mayumi Ogawa

Huang zongving

Keiko Matsuzaka

Du Peng Yu Shaokang

Yoshiko Mita

Directed by: Jun'ya Sato and Duan Jishun

The War's over!

We've won!

Peace is here!

1945 - The End of World War ll

1946 - Shanghai

Extra, extra!

"Envoy Marshall intervenes to Stop Chinese Civil War!"

Extra!

Yi-Shan! Yi-Shan!

Why are you so stubborn?

Japan is in complete confusion after the war.

It's dangerous to go searching for your son, A-Ming.

Xiao Chuan!

Don't be so hasty. Be patient.

Hey, hey!

Don't you want to go?

You're determined, then? Be careful!

Take this. It might help you.

Masao, my child, don't die...

We're reaching Japan.

M8580!

Get a hold of yourself!

A-Ming, my son!

Where are you?

Is this our fate?

It was 22 years ago.

If I had but listened to your mother...

1924 - Wanghuzhen

You don't understand.

It's the war.

It contains money.

Don't let go of A-Ming.

Are you listening?

You know nothing but go.

Forget it.

Can't you see I'm worried?

All right.

The children are sleeping.

We'll leave tomorrow.

Do you love them?

Then, why take A-Ming to Beijing in this war?

Only to see a go player from Japan? It's ridiculous!

I consulted you.

I'm not convinced.

Go alone.

A-Ming is a big boy.

Let him see the world.

What if something happens to him?

Stop!

Ah, damn it. What a waste.

We're looking for spies.

Come with us!

I'm not a spy! Hey, someone help!

- What's the matter? - Ah!

I'm a reporter for the Tonichi newspaper. I can't speak Chinese.

Help me, please!

He's... my friend.

- Too bad. - I'm Japanese!

Captain?

Huh?

Don't!

What is it?

You're General Lung's friend? Mr. Matsunami?

Release him!

Forgive me.

Let go of him.

Hey, release him!

You saved me!

Attention!

You came to play go with Matsunami.

If the general wants to play, let him win.

Be careful not to offend him.

I know that.

You'll win. You've improved even more.

LOOK.

The letter.

Well done. Beautiful!

"Blessings."

Very nice.

Heaven blesses you and showed the sign.

Hence the character “blessings?

General, this is Kuang Yi-Shan, the go king of the South.

You're famous.

Thank you.

Why don't you play with him before Matsunami?

Good. Let's have a game.

He's famous, but no match for you, general.

No game, sir.

Well, I'll give you a handicap.

Here's a fine harp player. Will you play for me?

Harp, go, writing and painting.

This house is called the House of Four Arts.

To celebrate your sixtieth birthday, I'll play the harp.

Please do.

I see.

His mansion explains his power.

Hey, Mr. Matsunami.

I'm Captain Ozaki. I love go as well.

- Will you coach me later? - I'm afraid I'm too expensive.

Fine by me!

Here's the Minister.

- I'm Matsunami. - Oh!

The Japanese Minister!

Mr. Matsunami!

How do you do? Hello, hello.

This is Mr. Matsunami.

I'm Matsunami.

It'll be over soon.

My move.

Wonderful! It's a decisive move.

The general's winning.

Terrible. I need a drink.

Your move.

Even the go king of the South is no match for you, general.

Kuang Yi-Shan?

Yes.

I wanted to see you.

Mr. Matsunami.

Your move.

Wait.

I didn't mean this.

I meant... to place it here.

Damn you! Your go is evil!

It is indecent.

Outrageous!

You beat the general in public. He won't take that.

Leave immediately.

Who is it?

- Matsunami. - Oh.

Excuse me.

Is Mr. Kuang here?

Welcome.

I'm sorry, but he isn't here.

Mr. Matsunami!

Well-written.

Yes, my father wrote them.

He played go with some Japanese players. He couldn't win.

His last writing.

Here, thank you.

Yi-Shan, Yi-Shan.

Excuse me.

Let me talk with Kuang.

If you'll excuse me.

You're crazy about go.

Can you play go, too?

My father is a king. I'm a prince.

A Prince? Oh!

Come on, try it.

Then... here!

Very good.

A-Ming!

I'm sorry.

He needs discipline.

I'm surprised. He's a genius.

I'm ashamed of him.

Leave it there.

Your move.

Go ahead.

Is Yi-Shan here?

Yi-Shan?

Are you Yi-Shan?

H3)'-

Are you?

That's right.

The Chief wants you.

Why?

- Come! - Come on!

Father!

A-Ming!

- A-Ming! - Let's go!

I'll be back soon, A-Ming!

A-Ming, don't worry. Guan's with you.

Father!

" A-Ming! " A-Ming!

- A-Ming! - Father!

A-Ming, don't cry!

It's okay.

I'll be taking care of you, okay?

- Father! - A-Ming!

Thank you, Minister.

- No more trouble now, Matsunami. - I know.

I'm sorry.

Goodbye.

- Mr. Matsunami. - Huh?

Let's continue the game we began the other day.

No...

Mr. Kuang.

Give me your son, A-Ming.

What? You want A-Ming?

Tomorrow, I...

He's not understanding it.

- I return to Japan. - Oh.

Are you leaving?

Give me A-Ming.

He wants him.

Ah, you want to teach him go in Japan?

No, no!

He's my heir. He's still a child.

Sorry, sorry.

A-Ming is very promising.

Not before he grows up.

I beg you.

- You can't take him away. - Please!

Mr. Matsunami, let's talk...

We can see Japan!

Thank you very much. Here you are.

Karin, eat.

Anyone want to play?

Is this a white stone here?

Otherwise, the black wins.

What is it?

- Don't interfere! - If the white stone isn't...

- So what? - You're cheating!

- What's wrong, gramps? - Let's go.

Now, everyone, who wants to play?

- I just wanted to help... - Damn you!

We'll teach you a lesson!

Stop it! I'm begging you. He's my brother!

Your brother?

- He's drunk! - Who is drunk'?

- Don't apologize, they're wrong. - What are you saying, you bastard?

Stop it, please stop! Forgive him, we're really sorry.

Come on, Karin. It's okay.

Be careful with the steps.

- I'm not drunk! - Who do you want to fool?

You get drunk, you fight.

Brother, don't sleep there.

A dollar bill? No change!

All right. I get it, I get it.

- Hurry up! - I'll give you some!

Here you go! All right, all right.

Welcome, welcome! Welcome here!

Next one coming! Welcome, welcome!

Let's go somewhere.

Hey, mister, I'll buy your dollars!

I'm fine, thanks.

- What happened? - Thieves.

- Huh? - Thieves...

Are you Chinese, by any chance?

Dr. Zhang.

Thank you.

Ah, you're welcome!

We're Chinese after all.

Stay in bed.

I must go.

You must rest!

I'm looking for my son.

Your son?

He came to Tokyo fifteen years ago.

A-Ming is a genius.

If it were peacetime, he'd be promising.

Indeed, but this civil war makes his talent nothing.

Times have changed.

I thought the war would be over soon.

I was wrong. I can't tell who'll win.

Maybe the Reds.

Hey, what did you say?

He didn't say anything.

What? Come with us!

- Huh? - Who are you?

Let's go!

Why are you taking him?

You're rebels, understand?

A-Ming, go to Japan. Study go there.

It's your only chance.

TOJapan?

It is now or never.

The deed to the house?

Father took it.

You can't sell our house!

Yuan-Zhi.

Give me the deed.

Ah, it's too late!

We've already signed the contract.

Your son's future is more precious than your house.

So, that's why!

I don't want to send him to a country beyond the sea.

I won't lose my house to a mad man's ambitions.

Give me the deed! I won't sell my house!

Let's go home.

You must listen to me.

All right! Take it all away!

A-Ming, tidy up.

I know.

Dean

Dean

A-Ming will leave in the morning.

Mother! Mother, I'm hungry.

Dean

Father, what's wrong with mother?

Grandfather wrote it'?

Yes, father gave it to me.

A farewell gift.

Is Japan far?

I'll cross an ocean bigger than Lake Tai.

A-Ming, this is yours.

Sell this bracelet when you need money.

I'll miss you, mother!

Come now. You must be independent.

Don't act like a child.

Be a man now.

_ A_Min g! _Yes! t?

He's here.

I'm glad you came!

- Thank you, Honda. - You're welcome.

Come in.

Oh, that's right!

Come in!

- A-Ming, take your shoes. - Take them off.

Welcome!

A-Ming!

This will be your new friend. His name is A-Ming.

- Hello! - Hello!

Brother!

A-Ming must be tired.

Come, A-Ming.

Beat him!

Be quiet, what are you doing?

Enough with that. Okay?

What's this?

- What happened, Morikawa? - Yes...

A-Ming insisted on playing, but I was tired, so I said no.

But he kept insisting, so I hit him.

You fool!

- Sir! - Go away.

I was wrong.

He beat me, so I wanted to win.

I'm to blame.

It's my fault, I'm sorry.

Punish me!

- Seconds! - Yes!

A-Ming, seconds?

Sky.

- Sand. - Yes, sand.

Sea.

You're a genius. You learn very quickly.

- I play go better. - You're older anyways!

What is it?

What's wrong?

Lake Tai...

Huh?

I want to see it again.

1931 - The Manchurian Incident

1932 - The Shanghai Incident

Friends! Countrymen!

The Japanese have occupied our land.

Then sell us such cheap stuff like this.

Look at this!

Hey, you're a traitor!

No!

Your brother is in Japan, isn't he?

We don't need traitors here!

Her brother isn't a traitor!

He's studying go, that's all.

Don't side with her.

You're a traitor too.

Down with Japan!

Stop it! Stop it!

Down with Japanese Imperialism!

Mother, why did you send A-Ming to Japan?

Why?

Come, come.

Father! Father, why not bring him back?

Forget it.

But Japan is a bad country.

Down with Japanese Imperialism!

Is A-Ming safe?

Don't worry about it.

He has Matsunami.

Matsunami will protect him.

What if war breaks out?

Japan is bad! So are the Japanese people!

Well?

Matsunami's gone.

He sold this house long ago.

He moved to Tokyo.

Where in Tokyo?

I don't know.

There's a clue. He's a famous go player.

He should be at the go club.

Kuang.

Did you find Matsunami?

He stopped coming during the war.

His only daughter is in a hospital.

His daughter's in a hospital?

Let's go see her.

She's not in Tokyo. She's in Nagano Prefecture.

She knows something.

I see, thank you.

Shinobu.

Shinohara?

You survived!

- What is it'? - It's Shinohara.

He's here.

Buy something with this money.

It's been a long time. How many years?

We need to talk.

Your friends are expecting a comeback. Right?

The Japanese people are rebuilding Japan.

- Let's rebuild our go circle. - My hands, you know...

...are soiled with blood.

Not only my hands. My go board too.

- You don't understand. - Oh, don't.

- Keep the change. - Thank you!

Hey, wait!

You don't know anything!

The Lukouchiao Incident

Sino-Japanese Hostilities intensified

A-Ming! A-Ming!

A-Ming.

Morikawa's here.

Welcome! Please, come in.

- How are you? - Ah.

You'll win the championship.

You've gotten very good.

However, you'll be released from the army very soon, right'?

- Not so soon. - Huh?

- Why not'? - We'll be leaving.

For the front.

Morikawa.

When you say front, do you mean China?

A-Ming, forgive me.

I hate to fight the Chinese.

I want to play go.

A-Ming, take care of yourself.

Take care of Tomoe as well.

A-Hui!

Brother Wu Ping! Uncle!

Aren't you going'?

The enemy's coming.

We must hurry!

Mother, pack your things quickly.

We'll be in time.

Father, the Japanese are close. Hurry!

Get ready!

Father, are you senile?

Be polite!

My game record?

I put it there.

It's here!

My treasure.

Say it's your life.

There's no hurry!

Take care of them, son.

More refugees are waiting for boats.

Take care. Trust me.

Yi-Shan! Yi-Shan! Yi-Shan!

Xiao-Chan, what's wrong?

The Japanese have occupied Beijing, so I came back.

We'll talk later.

Let's hurry now.

A-Hui is a big girl now.

What happened to your family?

Yi-Shan.

When we crossed the river, we were bombed.

The boat sank.

It's fate. I have no one to support now.

The town's burning!

The Japanese are burning our town!

That's my house!

Will it be a long war?

War destroys everything. It kills people.

Yes, it'll be a long war.

My brother?

Why so silent?

I told you.

You said there wouldn't be a war.

Now you see.

The Japanese began it.

And your go ruined our family!

A-Hui, don't blame go.

I didn't know it would be this way.

Rumor has it Germany will intervene.

I hate war. I hope it will end soon.

Mind the police.

Let's drink to A-Ming's victory!

- That's right. - And next...

...let's drink to your happy married life!

- Thank you. - Congratulations!

- Cheers! - Congratulations!

Kuang.

- Hello. - Hello.

- What is it'? - Wu's farewell party.

Join us.

To Wu's safe return!

Stay well!

But why leave so soon? You'll graduate next year.

He's returning to fight for his own country.

I want you to understand, Tomoe.

This war is a sequel to the Sine-Japanese War.

Japan is invading China.

China didn't want this war.

What will the rest of you do?

I'll return next month.

I'll stay.

I'll return when I become a surgeon. China needs one.

Will the war continue?

After what happened in Nanjing...

Maybe...

What happened there?

Tell me, I want to know.

Not only that.

My family wrote to me.

The victims of the massacre...

...numbered 300.000.

That's horrible.

Horrible!

Banzai!

Rise, people who refuse to be slaves

Build a new great wall with our flesh

The people of China are facing a crisis

Shout for your country!

Rise! Rise! Rise!

Unity is power! Charge against the gunfire!

Charge against the gunfire! Charge! Charge! Charge!

Rise! Rise! Rise!

Unity is power! Charge against the gunfire!

Charge against the gunfire! Charge! Charge! Charge!

Master, sorry I'm late.

- Where were you? - I told you when he left.

Mr. Honda held a party for A-Ming.

What's wrong?

Father?

Morikawa's dead.

What?

Morikawa is dead?

In action?

No, that wasn't it.

He fell ill on the ship to China.

He was so promising.

We lost him.

- Master. - Huh?

Maybe this isn't the right time, but let me return to China.

What?

You fool.

You won a title, but you still aren't good enough to return to China.

No!

'III 'III

I want to fight for my country.

Does that mean you'd be against the Japanese army?

Yes.

Father!

The Japanese are killing my countrymen.

- Nonsense! - Father.

Look at this.

I can't read English.

The Japanese soldiers massacred 45.000 people.

In Nanking!

It's a lie. An American trick!

Japan would never do that. Understand?

Right now, Japan...

...is protecting the people of China from America and England.

We're fighting for Asia's sake!

You're wrong.

No!

I'm not wrong!

Listen, all you can do is play go.

How can you fight a war, huh?

If you died, how could I apologize to your father?

Listen.

You're a go player. Think of nothing else.

- But... - No buts!

You don't understand how I feel as a Chinese person.

I lost Morikawa.

If I lose you...

Forget this.

Stop talking nonsense. Go outside and cool off.

If you want to go, go!

Father!

A-Ming!

A-Ming, wait!

A-Ming!

Are you determined?

A-Ming...

You must go home.

No, I don't want to!

I... want to be with you.

I won't leave you.

I'm Chinese.

Love... is forbidden.

Yi-Shan.

Let's part here.

Do you have a place to go?

I don't.

But don't worry.

China is a big country. Even if we're invaded...

...there's always a place for us.

Goodbye, Mrs. Kuang.

Go ahead, I'll see Wu.

Don't go.

I won't be long.

Wu, what happened to your father?

He was too late escaping.

Do you see?

Now you know.

The Japanese you like did this.

The Japanese people you trust did it!

Give my son back to me! Bring him back!

Bring back my son. Bring him...

A-Ming... A-Ming...

I'm sorry.

But I really don't know.

He left without telling me.

I see.

Thank you very much.

Tomoe! Tomoe!

What's wrong?

Are you all right'? Take a rest.

Thank you very much.

You look depressed. Are you having trouble?

He said...

...that to love a Japanese girl is forbidden.

Then, I'll become Chinese.

Chinese? I see.

You'd be called names. Despised. Even stoned.

I have two children here. When they grow up...

...I'll send them to China.

Then, you're...

Yes, Chinese.

My husband is.

We parted in China.

Suppose I stayed there. What'd happen to me then?

Here, drink this.

The Chinese would call me names, hate me.

Do you know the taste of hate?

Just imagine...

I love A-Ming very much.

More than my life.

That will torture A-Ming the most.

But you love your husband too.

I loved him.

He died, fighting the Japanese Army.

It's not easy for A-Ming either way...

To fight or to stay.

It's a hard choice.

It's torture for you too.

Understand?

All right. I'll tell you where A-Ming is.

Marika wa

My son used to play go with these.

I was so poor I couldn't buy a board or stones.

He made them himself.

He painted the black ones.

He used to say A-Ming was a genius.

It was his joy to have played with you.

If there were no wars...

No matter what happens, don't ever stop playing go.

For my son.

Morikawa must have died with regrets.

He wanted to play go.

Like me.

I want to stay here.

But my country is being invaded.

I must...

I must return to China.

A-Ming!

A-Ming!

Tomoe!

A-Ming!

I love you.

I want to stay by your side forever!

I know how you feel.

But don't forget...

...why you came to Japan.

Why your father sent you to this country.

But my country is now...

The war will end soon.

The government said so!

Really? Will it be over soon?

The war will end, but...

...there'll be no end to go.

Yet, if you return to China...

I'll go with you. We'll fight together.

As a Chinese wife.

Against Japan.

Don't take it!

We'll starve if you take the last of our food!

The druggist will take care of you.

I know. Don't worry.

Let me know when your company moves.

Keep me informed.

The Tai Hu Ranger Troop. I'll be near you.

Don't be like a baby forever.

Shut up.

Goodbye.

1941 - The Pacific War Begins

Kuang A-Ming Contests the Tenseii Title!

See, dear'? Tomoe's husband is a great player now.

I'm back.

It's okay.

Brother?

Brother, A-Ming and Tomoe just arrived.

Huh?

Master, I'm glad to see you.

Seven Games for the Tenseii Title

Shinohara and A-Ming, evenly matched. Shinohara wins the first game.

A-Ming wins the second game.

Shinohara wins the third game.

A-Ming wins the fourth game.

Shinohara wins the fifth game.

A-Ming wins the sixth game.

I lost.

A-Ming won.

Last Game

That's all.

I thought A-Ming was losing.

But he won.

He was lucky.

Sit down.

A-Ming, from today on, you're Japanese.

Huh?

The Tenseii title can't be given to a Chinese.

So you must become Japanese, understand?

No. I'm Chinese.

Don't worry about the authorities. The Law Office agreed.

Read this announcement to the press.

Don't answer any questions.

If you refuse, you'll be treated as an enemy.

Why?

Why is A-Ming our enemy?

If he tries to remain Chinese with the title...

...it's an insult to every Japanese person.

That's just ridiculous.

What?

He came to Japan to play go.

In go, the better player wins. That's why he won the title.

Nationality doesn't mean a thing in go.

- Nonsense. - You bastard!

Are you defying the Army'?

- I'll take care of him! - Don't, don't.

- Calm down! - He's crazy!

I'm a mere go player.

My only wish...

...is to have a good game.

Doing my best in each game.

That has been my only concern.

Master Matsunami taught me this.

In fact, the military intelligence told me just now...

...that I must become Japanese.

Will you nationalize Japanese?

But before being a go player...

...I'm Chinese.

As you all are proud of being Japanese...

...I'm also proud of being Chinese!

Therefore... therefore...

Therefore...

[Speaking in Chinese]

What are you saying?

- Speak in Japanese. - Not in Chinese.

Silence! Listen.

A-Mingjust said.

"I'm Chinese."

"Japan is invading China."

“The people of China are suffering."

"I can't betray China."

That's what he said.

To save our go circle and Mr. Matsunami trouble...

...I'll return the Tenseii title and leave the go circle.

Become Japanese!

That's all! It's over!

No more questions!

No report on the Tenseii title. That's an order of the Army.

Dismissed.

I said dismissed!

We'll be there in three hours.

Take a rest. You're tired.

I told you.

We should've gone with Wu.

Mr. Kuang?

I wanted to visit you sooner, but I've been busy.

- Nice to see you. - Take a seat.

My humble gift to you.

- What do you want? - Huh?

Do you remember a Captain Ozaki you met at General Lung's mansion?

He wants to play with you.

He's big in the Japanese army now.

There'll be a go party tomorrow.

I'll escort you.

I don't play go anymore.

What?

I quit.

You must be joking!

You see, if you can quit go, we all could quit eating.

We must eat.

How? That's the question.

I won't sell my soul.

Good. You're still honest and clean.

I'll be frank with you.

This isn't Beijing as it was twenty years ago.

Then, you go alone! Let my father alone.

A-Hui, go away.

I gave you his invitation card.

Take it or leave it. It's up to you.

Wait.

- A-Hui. - Yes.

It's not a simple go party.

It's Ozaki's trap.

He's plotting to massacre us.

We're in danger.

Can we go with Wu?

But your father...

Never mind him.

Your luggage?

No luggage-

It was either stolen or sold.

Wu?

Wu?

Come on, get aboard.

Stop! Who goes there?

What are you doing?

To the opposite shore!

Who are you?

Be still. We'll trick them.

Hurry!

Get them!

The Japanese are here!

Get inside, A-Hui. I'll row.

A-Hui!

There's a child aboard.

Stop!

I'll shoot!

Land quickly.

To the forest.

I'll help you.

I'm all right.

A-Hui!

Yuan-Zhi! Yuan-Zhi!

Yuan-Zhi! A-Hui!

This is the hospital.

A mental hospital?

Matsunami's daughter is here?

Yes.

Let's go in.

- Tachibana. - Yes?

Look. Karin's a big baby.

That's true, and she looks like you. So cute!

You two, don't fight again!

- This is the lady you're searching for? - It's her.

There's no other way.

Yes.

Excuse me, I have questions.

Are you Mr. Matsunami's daughter'?

A-Ming! You're back, at least!

A-Ming, I've missed you!

Look, this is Karin, our baby.

She's big, isn't she? She looks like you.

No!

You aren't A-Ming!

Give him back to me!

Where is he?

- Be calm, please. - Where is A-Ming'?

- Let's go to your room. - A-Ming!

- Help A-Ming! - Are you all right?

- Hang in there. - Help him!

What's wrong?

What happened to A-Ming?

This woman is sick. Please stop it!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Karin, your father isn't back.

Ah, excuse us.

This person is A-Ming's father.

He came from China to find A-Ming.

- From China'? - Indeed.

- Well... - What did she say?

She asked if you came from China.

Tell us about A-Ming or his family.

Anything you know will be very helpful.

Tell us anything you know, please.

- Tomoe's husband... - Yes?

Has passed away.

Passed away?

- What did she say? - Well...

- What was it'? - A-Ming has died.

When? Where?

Shot by the Japanese Army.

He was shot by the Japanese.

By the Japanese?

No, it can't be true!

You don't know the incident?

I heard about it.

But it was handled by the Military Intelligence.

Chief, who was in charge?

- What was his name? - Right.

- I remember the officer. - It was Shimizu.

It was Lieutenant Shimizu.

Shimizu, you killed A-Ming, didn't you?

No, I didn't!

- Who did it'? - Tell us at once!

It wasn't me! It was Yagi, one of my men!

Take responsibility!

It was on your orders!

No, I had orders, too. To kill him.

You bastard!

B)' Whom? And Why?

All right, all right.

We got information from Matsunami, his go teacher,

that he was escaping.

Matsunami sold out A-Ming?

Tell us the truth! The truth!

Talk! What will it be?

Matsunami, I'll kill him. I'll kill him!

He's a wretch!

Your gun.

Sell me your gun.

Please, sell it to me!

A-Ming...

I'll avenge you! I'll kill him!

Damn him!

Matsunami!

I'll kill you, I'll kill you!

Dr. Xhang.

I found Matsunami.

Where?

I found him.

Matsunami has been found.

My knife, my knife!

He's dead, dead!

Killed in action in China.

Dead? He's dead?!

Tell me. Did you really do it'?

Sell out A-Ming to the MP's?

When Yi-Shan heard you did it, he went mad.

He even wanted to kill you.

I lied to him, said you'd died in action.

I sent him home.

You're no better than a dead man.

You can't possibly understand his sorrow, his hatred. It's ours, too.

Maybe I didn't have to tell him a lie.

Did his story shock you?

Brother!

Brother, you can't get drunk!

You're a coward!

You've escaped into drunkenness.

A-Ming's death was torture to me.

Forget go, if you like.

Your life was dedicated to go. I'm sick of it.

But right now, you're no better than a dead man.

But, brother, you must see Yi-Shan and apologize to him.

You must live on, and do it.

Or the death of A-Ming...

...and of Morikawa will be wasted.

And so will Tomoe's sacrifice.

All right, if you don't want to live...

...stay drunk on beer for the rest of your life!

Matsunami?

Matsunami!

You finally came to visit us. Come, please come!

Everyone, Matsunami's here!

- Oh my, Matsunami! - Master Matsunami!

It's been a long time. How have you been?

- Master! - Come, come in!

You want to die?

Give him that.

Sir.

October 1949 - Birth of People's Republic of China

Seven Years Later - Wanghuzhen

Grandpa! Grandpa!

It's fine, it's fine.

Don't call me grandpa here.

- All right! - Good girl.

Grandpa! Grandpa, you have a guest.

Yi-Shan!

Xiao-Chuan!

Matsunami is coming?

I'll be glad to see him.

I'll kill him!

Yi-Shan, it's the past. Please, forget about it.

The past?

My son was killed. How can I forget that?

If that's the case, don't see him.

Yi-Shan.

Are you going to keep on living like this?

You had ambition.

Do something about it.

Don't talk about it.

Teach me how to draw.

Yes, yes.

I must tell you this.

The revolution has brought us peace.

Why refuse to return to the go circle?

Yi-Shan, you're wrong.

Yi-Shan, let's go.

Come with me. Forget the past.

Yi-Shan.

- Yi-Shan. - Leave me alone!

Grandpa, grandpa...

Xiao-Chuan, you don't know.

My go board is stained.

With blood.

A letter came.

It says...

Matsunami will bring A-Ming's ashes.

Shanghai

- Brother, shall we go? - Yes.

My sister and my granddaughter.

Take them to Wanghuzhen right away, will you?

Yes, certainly.

I'll join you later.

Yes, I understand.

Mr. Matsunami, Mr. Matsunami.

Mr. Matsunami, Mr. Matsunami!

Mr. Guan?

- Mr. Guan. - Mr. Matsunami, how are you?

How's Mr. Kuang Yi-Shan?

Fine, fine.

But he refuses...

- To see me? - Well.

He's abandoned go. He'll never play again.

As you know, because of go...

...he lost his family.

Try to understand how he feels.

In his heart, the war isn't over.

This is where A-Ming was born.

- Hello. - Hello.

Young lady, are you a foreigner?

My nationality...

I'm half Chinese and half Japanese.

And the lady?

- She's asking your nationality. - Oh...

I'm Japanese.

She's all Japanese.

Grandpa, grandpa!

Japanese ladies are here!

Japanese?

They came from Japan.

Excuse me, are you Japanese?

I'm sorry we barged in.

Wait!

Who do you want to see?

Mr. Kuang Yi-Shan.

A-Ming's father!

My grandfather. My Chinese grandpa!

I'm Kuang Karin. This is my aunt.

These are A-Ming's ashes?

They are.

A-Ming... A-Ming...

Finally you're back.

With Matsunami...

...your soul couldn't rest in peace.

No!

Yi-Shan, listen to me.

You misunderstand. My brother wants to tell you...

My brother didn't betray A-Ming. He didn't cause his death!

- Shinobu. - Y%Shan.

Yi-Shan, calm down.

Why bring him here?

He wanted to see you.

'III

...killed him.

'III

...killed him.

Forgive me.

But I never intended to. The MP's...

MP's?

I'll return the Tenseii title and leave the go circle.

That's all! It's over!

No more questions!

No report on the Tenseii title. That's an order of the army.

But the Japanese army was sly.

In the morning newspapers, it was reported that...

...A-Ming was naturalized in Japan.

Ridiculous! Even after what happened yesterday.

Kuang A-Ming is a symbol of Sine-Japanese friendship.

The army won't jeopardize his safety.

But Mr. Hashimoto, he's being followed.

The military intelligence is watching him.

That is so that he can't sneak out of the country.

But you can help him. If you use your influence.

Please, help him leave Japan safely.

I'm begging you.

All right, I understand.

If that's what you want, I can't turn you down.

You can count on me.

Thank you! Please help him.

I want the MP leader.

I'm Hashimoto.

The car's here!

Tomoe, here.

Master, thank you for taking care of me for so long.

Father, I'll be going too.

You must hurry!

Let me hold her.

Tomoe.

Don't worry. You'll see her again.

I'll raise Karin for you.

Tomoe.

Tomoe!

Here.

Take this.

Thank you.

All right, pass.

There's no ship waiting. I wonder what happened?

- Where's the S.S. Daishin? - Are you A-Ming?

No, I'm Murakoshi.

I'm from the MP. You're under arrest.

Halt, stop!

Stop!

Tomoe!

I can't run. Get away!

Come here! We're going together!

Over there!

Wait!

A-Ming!

A-Ming!

A-Ming!

A-Ming!

Matsunami, take your daughter away.

Leave.

How stupid of me!

I trusted Hashimoto.

But now A-Ming is dead because of it.

Damn him!

A-Ming, forgive me!

Forgive me!

Tomoe, are you okay? Are you okay?

A-ming, let's run!

Tomoe! Tomoe!

A-Ming!

Tomoe!

Run!

Take her away.

You men, what did you do to her?

What did you do?

You beasts! Villains, villains!

Yi-Shan! Yi-Shan!

A-Ming fought desperately. He tried hard.

My ignorance killed him. My stupidity caused his death.

This is A-Ming's...

Yi-Shan... Yi-Shan...

After that...

...I was drafted.

So was Honda, my sister's husband. It was retaliation.

Honda was killed in action in the Philippines.

I was sent to the Chinese front.

Walk!

Here, here. Come here, come here.

Hurry!

You refuse?

Don't be stubborn. We're friends.

I'm a fifth grader.

How do you want me to play?

Start playing while Colonel Ozaki is friendly.

Come. It's not hard, right'?

I see.

You choose your opponents? Naturally. You're a go king.

- Daito! - Yes?

I'll bring someone who'll satisfy your pride.

- Private Matsunami, Sir. - Bring him in.

I'm here!

- Matsunami! - Yes?

Play go with Kuang.

You want to play with him, don't you?

Matsunami is ready.

- What's wrong, Matsunami? Come! - Hurry up!

Go!

- Begin now. - Yes!

Let's Pm)'-

How's A-Ming? Is he safe?

Silence!

Yes!

Start playing! Don't talk!

Mr. Kuang, let's play. We have to play, okay?

Or... you'll be killed.

Start playing go, under...?

Where's A-Ming'?

You're disobeying me, you bastard?

Hold out your right hand.

Your hand!

You don't need your fingers to play go.

If you don't follow my orders...!

How is it? Do you need them?

Mr. Kuang...

Grandpa! Grandpa!

Grandpa! Grandpa!

Grandpa! Grandpa!

Can't you forgive him?

I can't.

This contains not only my father's ashes but also my mother's.

Your mother?

She died eight years ago.

Karin... your mother...

...will go to China.

I'm sorry.

A-Ming.

Get away! Leave me!

Hurry UP!

A-Ming, you've been waiting for me?

I've missed you!

I won't leave you! Ever.

Karin.

Grandpa.

My granddaughter.

Granddaughter...

Did you send my father to Japan...

...for his own sake? For his own happiness?

Or for your dreams of go?

You tried to realize them through him.

You didn't notice the world was changing.

China-Japan Go Competition

The time has finally come when we can again play go together.

Mr. Matsunami.

Do you remember the game we had 30 years ago?

The game we never finished.

- I tried... - Yes!

...to forget it.

But I couldn't.

I just couldn't.

I remember it well too.

The last move was mine. I put a white stone at the center.

That's right.

You put it on the center point.

It's my move now.

I'll put a black stone at 4-5 point in the upper left.

Ah, I see.

I'll put a white at 5-5.

A black at 5-6.

A white at 6-5.

Photographed: Shohei Ando and Luo De-An

Lighting by: Hideo Kumagai and Xu He-Qing

Art Directors: Takeo Kimura and Xiao-Bin

Sound Recordists: Fumio Hashimoto and Lu Xian-Chang

Music by: Hikaru Hayashi and Jiang Ding-Xian